The legacy of women has varied over the centuries, from fictional characters like Bella Swan who throws herself off a cliff because her boyfriend dumped her to a selfish Daisy who can’t set aside her spoiled ways and leave the man who cheats on her. If you put a real face to these women, they would be among your fan girls and your Kim Kardashians of the real world. Are these the women we should view as role models?
Strong heroines are not only an amazing selling tactic for a book but they also set readers on the right path of life. Women should not be associated by a stereotype, such as emotional, weak, or “they can’t drive.” The more women are put down in books and movies, the harder the fight will be to be considered equals. I pose one question to you my readers,
“Why the hell is this still an issue in modern day society?”
For a few moments, set aside your Juliets and your Kathys and take in the idea of these 4 ladies of literature who not only set a good example for readers, but also stand up for themselves and radiate a sense of confidence all women should possess and flaunt.
1. Hermione Granger – The Harry Potter Series
Hermione was born a Muggle and taught herself about the Magical World long before she ever received her Hogwarts letter. She gained her vast amount of knowledge from books, learning all that she could about anything and everything, even when others thought she was a little extreme. But at a very young age, Hermione realized she was different, and instead of lashing out like a number of well known characters (looking at you Holden Caulfield), she accepted her unique qualities and this Muggle flourished into the courageous and inspiring friend we know today. Hermione taught us that it’s OK to be different, have buck teeth and to love books.
2. Elizabeth Bennett – Pride & Prejudice
In a time period where women had little to no rights, Lizzie Bennett decided she would control her own future as well as who and when she would marry. As women had little say about anything, Lizzie took a stand against a world controlled by men, setting her own goals, her own rules and her life choices. Outspoken, smart and defiant, Lizzie taught us to never settle and to break barriers that may be set. This modern lady of the past thought years ahead of her time, envisioning a world of her own control. Her prize? Mr. Darcy.
3. Elphaba Thropp – Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Many aren’t aware that the hit musical was based off of a book, but rest assured, most amazing things are based off of books. This opinionated, stubborn and sassy lady of green, grew up in a household where she wasn’t valued or loved because she was a different color. Race is shown in an entirely different way for our heroine and through her struggles to be accepted, she taught us to fight for what we believe in, no matter what color our skin is. Everyone deserves rights, the green people and the not green people, also the animals, which if you read the book, you’ll understand more.
4. Lucy Pevensie – The Chronicles of Narnia Series
Every child who has read this series has opened up a wardrobe in hopes that it would lead them to the magical world of Narnia. Growing up in WWII was no easy lifestyle for this young adventurer, but it taught her to cherish life and to live it to the fullest, even if you have to live it more than once. Lucy loved adventures and literally became Queen of her own fantasy. Setting her fears aside, she inspired readers to travel and explore the world around them because if you don’t, if you simply look at what’s right in front of you and never open that wardrobe, you may never find your Narnia.
Boundaries should always be broken, adventures should always be taken and more importantly, stereotype should just be a word and not a reality.
Kimberly Bredenbeck Portfolio 